Dhollandia DH-AR Series User manual

Order ref: MD027.EN Doc: USE_CE operation manual DHAR_EUR EN_2020 Rev: 0Date: MARCH 25, 2020
Manufacturer:
DHOLLANDIA N.V. Zoomstraat 9 9160 LOKEREN (Belgium)
Tel : [phone] Fax : [phone]
e-mail : [email protected]
website : www.dhollandia.com
Read the manual in its entirety before operating the hydraulic ramp
Keep this manual in the vehicle cab, as reference for the driver and hydraulic ramp operator
edition
DH-AR*
hydraulic ramps
*
OPERATION
MANUAL

1
DHOLLANDIA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1UNDERSTANDING SAFETY AND WARNING SIGNS..................................................................................................................2
2CONTACT INFORMATION AND DISCLAIMERS..........................................................................................................................3
3GENERAL INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................................................4
4INTENDED USE ............................................................................................................................................................................4
5IDENTIFICATION...........................................................................................................................................................................5
6DESCRIPTION AND HYDRAULIC RAMP TERMINOLOGY .........................................................................................................6
6.1 General .................................................................................................................................................................................6
6.2 Safety devices.....................................................................................................................................................................14
7SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING THE HYDRAULIC RAMP .............................................................................................17
7.1 DO NOT use hydraulic ramp without adequate safety and operator training ......................................................................17
7.2 General safety instructions..................................................................................................................................................17
7.3 Danger zones, risk of crush and shear injury ......................................................................................................................21
7.4 Safe operator position .........................................................................................................................................................23
7.5 Recommended daily pre-trip inspection..............................................................................................................................24
7.6 Importance of preventative maintenance ............................................................................................................................25
8LOAD CHARTS AND CORRECT LOADING PROCEDURES.....................................................................................................26
8.1 General ...............................................................................................................................................................................26
8.2 Instructions for working at loading docks ............................................................................................................................27
9OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS - PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES.........................................................................................28
9.1 General ...............................................................................................................................................................................28
9.2 Switching the main power on / off .......................................................................................................................................28
9.3 Operating instructions for DH-AR1* ramps..........................................................................................................................29
9.4 Operating instructions for DH-AR2* ramps..........................................................................................................................32
9.5 Operating instructions for DH-AR3* / AR4* ramps .............................................................................................................35
9.6 The use of hydraulic side-shift [option OAH803] .................................................................................................................40
9.7 The use of hydraulic stabilising legs....................................................................................................................................41
10 DECALS.......................................................................................................................................................................................42
11 MEANING OF SAFETY AND WARNING SIGNS ........................................................................................................................43
12 END NOTE ..................................................................................................................................................................................45

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DHOLLANDIA
1UNDERSTANDING SAFETYAND WARNING SIGNS
Many safety signs and symbols used in this manual are based on international standards, others refer to specific situations or actions.
Consult section 11 on page 43 for an overview of signs and symbols used in DHOLLANDIA manuals, and their meaning.
Please take special notice of the following signs used in the manual. They indicate the likelihood and severity of a potential injury if a
person fails to follow the instructions presented on the safety sign.
DANGER: indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury. [white letters on red background]
WARNING: indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury. [black letters on orange background]
CAUTION: indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor
or moderate injury. [black letters on yellow background]
NOTICE: is used to address practices not related to physical injury. [white letters on blue
background]
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS: indicate general instructions relative to safe work practices, reminders
of proper safety procedures, or the location of safety equipment. [white letters on green
background]
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL: is used to alert the user to potential hazards. All safety messages that
accompany this sign shall be obeyed to avoid possible harm. [free-standing, or on back-ground
colours red, orange, yellow or black]
WARNING
Failure to understand and to follow the instructions in this manual can put the operator and any bystanders at great risk of
serious bodily injury and death.
Prior to operating the hydraulic ramp, make sure you understand the safety and warning signs used, and read them in
conjunction with the instructions in this manual.
If in doubt, DO NOT operate the hydraulic ramp. Contact your national DHOLLANDIA distributor. See page 3 for contact info.
NOTICE
SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS

3
DHOLLANDIA
2CONTACT INFORMATION AND DISCLAIMERS
DHOLLANDIA hydraulic ramps are regularly being adapted to new vehicle and chassis developments, and specialized customer
requirements. Therefore, DHOLLANDIA reserves the right to alter product specifications without prior notice; and potentially
modifications or new developments might not have been taken into account at the time of printing.
NOTICE
Please confirm you have reviewed the most up-to-date version of this manual prior to operation of the associated DHOLLANDIA
hydraulic ramp. See below for instructions to download the latest version of the manual.
Contact your national DHOLLANDIA distributor if you have any questions regarding the installation, operation, repair and
maintenance of DHOLLANDIA hydraulic ramps, to obtain replacement copies of manuals or decals, or to learn about available
equipment options for DHOLLANDIA hydraulic ramps.
If in doubt where to find your national DHOLLANDIA distributor, visit the official DHOLLANDIA website:
www.dhollandia.com → Country & language selection → Distributors & service
The latest version of all manuals can also be downloaded from the DHOLLANDIA website:
www.dhollandia.com → Country & language selection → Downloads → Operation manuals →
… select required manual
LANGUAGE: in virtue of the low sales quantity and custom-made character of these hydraulic ramps, the equipment is delivered
to the client with an English operation manual. Other languages are available in pdf format via the link mentioned above.
Take notice of following important disclaimers:
DISCLAIMERS
DHOLLANDIA disclaims liability for any personal injury, death, or property damage that results from operating a hydraulic
ramp that has been modified from the original design, without explicit written approval from the manufacturer.
DHOLLANDIA disclaims liability for any personal injury, death, or property damage that results from use of aftermarket or
non-OEM replacement parts for service or repair of the hydraulic ramp.
DHOLLANDIA disclaims liability for any personal injury, death, or property damage that results from improper use of the
hydraulic ramp.
DHOLLANDIA disclaims liability for any personal injury, death, or property damage that results from overloading or improperly
loading the platform, disregard of the maximum rated lift capacity and the applicable load charts.
There are no warranties, express or implied, including the warranty of merchantability or a warranty of fitness for a particular
purpose extending beyond that set forth in this manual.

4
DHOLLANDIA
3GENERAL INTRODUCTION
This OPERATION MANUAL explains how the DHOLLANDIA hydraulic ramp is manufactured; what safety devices are
incorporated in its design; and how to use the hydraulic ramp in a correct manner, that preserves the integrity of the machine over
the intended lifetime and helps maximize the safety of the operator and any bystanders.
The MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR MANUAL (separate) explains how to maintain and service the hydraulic ramp in the
appropriate manner, maximizing the safety of the operator and any bystanders, and ensuring the reliability of the hydraulic ramp
over the intended lifetime.
The CE IDENTIFICATION AND INSPECTION LOGBOOK (separate) contains the serial number identification, the CE Declaration
of Conformity, the Fitting Declaration to be filled out by the installer of the hydraulic ramp, and an overview of the owner’s legal
obligations in terms of periodic testing and certification.
The manuals must be kept with the hydraulic ramp at all times, as a reference book for the operators and technical service
personnel.
4INTENDED USE
DHOLLANDIA hydraulic ramps are designed to be fitted to commercial vehicles (commercial trucks, trailers and semi-trailers), and
shall be used exclusively to load and unload the goods transported on the vehicle they are fitted to, within the limits of the load chart,
in compliance with the operator instructions and safety instructions described in this manual.
Except for model DH-AR4*, which is also suitable for the use at loading docks, DHOLLANDIA hydraulic ramps should be used
exclusively to transfer wheeled equipment or machinery from the ground to the vehicle floor or vice versa. This means the platform, its
outboard platform edge and mechanical support legs and hydraulic stabilising legs MUST be in firm contact with the ground.
WARNING
Improper use of the hydraulic ramp will put the operator and other parties at great risk of serious bodily injury and death.
Therefore, the use of the hydraulic ramp is restricted to skilled operators only; who have been properly trained, and who know
and understand the full contents of this manual.
Unauthorized modifications to the hydraulic ramp can put the operator and other parties at great risk of serious bodily injury
and death. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to modify the hydraulic ramp and its safety devices in any way.
Use of aftermarket or non-OEM replacement parts to repair or maintain the hydraulic ramp is strictly prohibited and may result
in serious bodily injury or death to the operator or any bystanders.
WARNING
Improper use of the hydraulic ramp will put the operator and bystanders at great risk of serious bodily injury and death.
Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to use the hydraulic ramp in a different way, or for different purposes than described in the
operation manual.
The hydraulic ramp must NEVER be used as an elevated work platform, to push loads, or to carry people.
DHOLLANDIA disclaims liability for any personal injury and / or property damage that results from improper use.

5
DHOLLANDIA
5IDENTIFICATION
Every DHOLLANDIA hydraulic ramp is identified by and
labelled with a unique 8-digit serial number (with or without
a space between the first and last 4 digits). Use this number
for any inquiry on a particular hydraulic ramp, or when ordering
replacement parts.
In addition to the hydraulic ramp type and serial number, the
various serial number labels provide additional information,
such as: the maximum rated lift capacity and load chart, the
date of manufacture, etc...
These labels are usually affixed to the vehicle body and
various hydraulic ramp components, and can be found in
following locations (the yellow arrows point to the serial
numbers):
On the main external control box
On the lift frame
On the tilt cylinders
On the platform
On the pump unit
Affixed to the side of the vehicle body, or on the platform

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DHOLLANDIA
6DESCRIPTION AND HYDRAULIC RAMP TERMINOLOGY
6.1 GENERAL
DHOLLANDIA hydraulic ramps are developed and manufactured using state-of-the-art technology, high quality materials and
components and highly skilled workmanship. They comply with the European CE safety regulations mentioned in the Declaration
of Conformity issued with each lift (unless agreed otherwise for hydraulic ramps exported outside of CE region).
The DH-AR* series comprises of a range of hydraulic ramps, designed for a wide variety of trucks, trailers and semi-trailers, and
is available with lift capacities ranging from 3,000 to 20,000 kg.
In its travel position, the platform of the hydraulic ramp is stowed vertically behind the vehicle body. Before use, the platform is
tilted open from the vertical travel position, to rested position at the ground.
Main details and terminology: see below
DH-AR1*●NON-ARTICULATED HYDRAULIC RAMP ●TERMINOLOGY
See figure below for parts corresponding to numbers in this table
The DH-AR1* are basic ramps with a non-articulated platform.
#
Description
1
Platform: carries the load during loading / unloading. In standard execution, it is manufactured from closed steel sheet with
a non-slip working surface. Main options include: air-permeable platforms with a steel mesh surface (up to max. 3,000 kg)
or heavy-duty steel grids (all capacities); and platforms prepared for wood flooring.
Seen in width, the platform can stretch out over the full width of the vehicle (type DH-AR11) or be split in 2 separate sections
with an empty space in between (type DH-AR12).
2
Ramp frame: mounted in a fixed position at the rear cross member of the vehicle body. It bears the platform and the
hydraulic tilt cylinders.
3
Tilt cylinders L+R: 2 hydraulic cylinders used to OPEN / CLOSE the platform
4
Main external control box: mounted in a fixed position at the side of the vehicle, under the body. Contains the electrical
switches allowing the operator to execute all hydraulic ramp functions STABILISING LEGS DOWN / OPEN / CLOSE /
STABILISING LEGS UP.
5
Hydraulic pump unit: contains the electric motor driving the hydraulic pump, the oil tank, and the control valves.
6
Hydraulic stabilising legs: stabilising legs mounted vertically at the vehicle chassis or body, used to support the chassis
of the vehicle while loading and unloading. [see also section 9.7 from page 41 onwards]

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DHOLLANDIA
DH-AR1* ●NON-ARTICULATED HYDRAULIC RAMP ●TERMINOLOGY
INBOARD
platform edge
EXAMPLE

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DHOLLANDIA
DH-AR2*●FOLDABLE HYDRAULIC RAMP ●TERMINOLOGY
See figure below for parts corresponding to numbers in this table
The DH-AR2* are ramps with a longer, foldable platform. The platform main section and the foldable point are linked by 2 fixed
stabilisers, so that they OPEN / CLOSE in a synchronized way, as a pair.
#
Description
1
Platform: carries the load during loading / unloading. In standard execution, it is manufactured from closed steel sheet with
a non-slip working surface. Main options include: air-permeable platforms with a steel mesh surface (up to max. 3,000 kg)
or heavy-duty steel grids (all capacities); and platforms prepared for wooden flooring.
The platform consists of a platform main section and a foldable point. Seen in width, the platform can stretch out over the
full width of the vehicle (type DH-AR21) or be split in 2 separate sections with an empty space in between (type DH-AR.22).
1a
Platform main section: bottom or inboard section of the foldable platform, opened / closed by the hydraulic tilt cylinders
mounted on the ramp frame.
1b
Foldable point: top or outboard section of the foldable platform, opened / closed automatically by the fixed stabilisers
mounted between the 2 platform sections.
2
Ramp frame: mounted in a fixed position at the rear cross member of the vehicle body. It bears the platform and the
hydraulic tilt cylinders.
3
Tilt cylinders L+R: 2 hydraulic cylinders used to OPEN / CLOSE the platform.
4
Fixed stabilisers: fixed rods between the platform main section and the foldable point, used to automatically unfold or fold
the foldable point while the platform main section is hydraulically opened / closed.
5
Mechanical support legs: mechanical legs to support the articulation between the 2 platform sections, when the platform
is rested at the ground.
The support legs form integral part of the strength of the platform, and MUST be set in firm contact with solid ground before
the platform is loaded..
6
Main external control box: mounted in a fixed position at the side of the vehicle, under the body. Contains the electrical
switches allowing the operator to execute all hydraulic ramp functions STABILISING LEGS DOWN / OPEN / CLOSE /
STABILISING LEGS UP.
7
Hydraulic pump unit: contains the electric motor driving the hydraulic pump, the oil tank, and the control valves.
8
Hydraulic stabilising legs: stabilising legs mounted vertically at the vehicle chassis or body, used to support the chassis
of the vehicle while loading and unloading. [see also section 9.7 from page 41 onwards]
9
Platform fold lock (on foldable platforms): optional mechanical lock to hold the 2 folding sections together while the
hydraulic ramp is stowed in its travel position.
Other types of locking devices, fitted by the installer, are possible, for example chain binders or ratchet straps between the
foldable point and the vehicle body.

9
DHOLLANDIA
DH-AR2* ●FOLDABLE HYDRAULIC RAMP ●TERMINOLOGY
INBOARD
platform edge
EXAMPLE